OHS Toolbox Talk Form

A “toolbox talk” is another term for a safety meeting.

The term “Toolbox Talk” was originally used as a way to encourage building workers to have a regular
documented safety meeting. The best time to do this was considered to be when they stood around the tool
box in the morning before starting work, so the term Toolbox Talk was born.

Today the Toolbox Talk is widely accepted as a common way of ensuring consultation occurs between
workers, and is a practical way to raise workers’ awareness of specific problems on site. It also helps to
remind workers that health and safety are an important part of the working day.

Toolbox Talks should be scheduled as needed, depending on the level of risks faced on the job, or the levels
of experience of the workers. Management should assess how often and for how long Toolbox Talks should
be held in your company.

The Toolbox Talk should generally, but not necessarily, be conducted by an employee with basic OHS
awareness. Any issues raised that cannot be resolved should be addressed by senior OHS management.

The following information should be included when completing a Toolbox Talk Form:

 names and signatures of all persons present – this is important to show who has participated in
the meeting,

 topics discussed - this shows what topics were covered during the meeting,

 any job specific training or instructions that have been given in the meeting, and

 Who raised the issue or added to the discussion, to show that there has been active consultation
with all persons attending the meeting, and that all parties have had a chance to raise issues
rather than the Toolbox Talk just being a lecture conducted by the supervisor.

Toolbox Talks are an excellent way of allowing open consultation within any business structure and
should always be documented and reviewed.

Follow an agenda to make sure you cover everything off:

• Inform workers of changes to company procedures.

• Identify new hazards and review existing hazards.
• Develop/review hazard controls.
• Discuss/review accident and incident data.
• Discuss the work programmed for the day/week ahead.
• Have OHS leaders talk about the business direction or a particular topic.
• Discuss any new equipment on site.
• Provide a short OHS Awareness session.
 OHS Toolbox Talk Form

DATE LOCATION SUPERVISOR

NAME IN FULL SIGNATURE NAME IN FULL SIGNATURE

1. ....................................
3. ...................................
5. ...................................
7.....................................
9. ...................................
2. .....................................
4. .....................................
6. .....................................
8. .....................................
10. ...................................

Toolbox Talk – Topics to discuss

Additional Write discussion points:
discussion
points
Other points or issues raised:

 Any safety
issues that
need
discussing